Staff Reporter

!Villagers in Matabeleland South Province, particularly those in Diba village, in Bulilima District have hailed the Presidential Poultry Scheme. The programmes was launched in the village recently.

 During the launch of the scheme, 25 000 roadrunner chicks were distributed to villagers. First preference in the distribution of chicks was given to vulnerable households. 

One of the villagers Sivela Moyo from Diba village who was present at the launch of the poultry scheme said empowering their Province through livestock was the way to go as Matebeleland South is famous for livestock.

“I am grateful for this gift from my President. Receiving roadrunners is an indication that our President has done his homework. Crops do not do well here and receiving these roadrunners is an indication that the President really wants to empower us,” said Moyo.

The Presidential Poultry Scheme is one of the many Presidential schemes that have since been availed to Zimbabweans country wide. Driven by the spirit of “leaving no one and no place behind” President Emmerson Mnangagwa has continued to roll out various Presidential schemes. Recently the President launched the Presidential Goat Scheme to villagers in Chipinge District in Manicaland.

According to Chief Director Agriculture and Rural Advisory Services, Professor Obert Jiri, the first batch of 30 000 goats has been cleared and inspected, and  ready for distribution. He added that the main thrust of the Presidential Livestock Scheme was to provide recipients with the best quality in order to upgrade populations.

Presidential Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, which was rolled out in 2020 has gained overwhelming support from Zimbabweans. This programme has been commended for improving the lives and livelihoods of over 500 000 households and creating 4 000 jobs. Pfumvudza/Intwasa has been extended from maize to sunflower and cotton crops.